Chelsea Transfer News: Nathan Set for Medical, Nico Gaitan Rumours Grow

Chelsea are poised to complete the capture of prodigious Brazilian midfielder Nathan, with reports claiming the 19-year-old is in London to finalise a deal.

That’s according to Simon Osborn of Metro, who suggested the 19-year-old will undergo a medical before completing a £4.7 million transfer to the Blues. In the piece, it’s claimed the Atletico Paranaense star is “one of the most exciting young players in Brazil.”

Here’s a look at why Nathan is on Chelsea’s radar:

Osborn reported the pursuit of burgeoning young stars is part of a renewed strategy to “buy young, hungry players with plenty of re-sale value.” It’s easy to see why they’ve targeted the Paranaense starlet, too, for he’s a wonderfully talented young player, capable of lighting up a football pitch with his intricate dribbling and skilful attributes.

However, according to the Selecao Brasileira Twitter account, while the teenager is undeniably talented, he’s not ready to make an impression in the Premier League just yet:

"

Note that Fluminense attacker Kenedy is also heavily linked to Chelsea - both he & Nathan are currently very far from Chelsea level, though.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) April 11, 2015"

Indeed, for the Nathan’s development, you wonder just how good a move this would be. A lot of young players have gone to Chelsea and been sent out on loan to further their development; while that means they often get the minutes required to develop, such instability is far from ideal early in the career of a youngster.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

For the Blues, it’d be disappointing to see Nathan get the nod over some of their own youth prospects. While not many players have come through the Chelsea academy into the first-team of late, surely the club would prefer to push through graduates like Izzy Brown—who was on the bench for the previous league encounter—rather than sign talent from abroad.

Nicolas Gaitan a “Perfect Fit” for Blues

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

According to A Bola (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express), Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has sent scouts to run the rule over Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan. The piece also claims the Blues boss knows the player well and as such, he would be a “perfect fit” for the Stamford Bridge club.

Here’s a look at what Gaitan could potentially offer the Londoners:

As noted by Jefferson, the article notes Gaitan would only leave Benfica for a team that has a realistic chance of challenging for the Champions League and, given he has a £30 million release clause in his contract, a move is reportedly “inevitable.”

While the Blues fell short of challenging for European glory this campaign, the acquisition of a quality attacking player like the Argentina international could potentially expedite a charge next season. However, speaking earlier on in the season, Bleacher Report’s Chelsea correspondent Garry Hayes doesn’t think too many changes are needed this summer:

But they may make an exception for Gaitan, who is enjoying a wonderful year in the Portuguese top flight. As noted by Bleacher Report's own Andy Brassell, the fact Chelsea are interested is testament to his sparkling form:

While Gaitan will want to join a team capable of challenging for top honours, and the Blues would definitely fit the bill in that sense, the player is also someone who’ll be keen on moving to a team where he'll be a central figure.

As enthralling as he has been for Benfica this season, it’s tough to imagine Gaitan nailing down a regular berth in this Chelsea team.